Importance of good oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene (brushing your teeth and flossing, as well as regular dental hygiene cleanings) reduces the risk of cavities. Regular oral hygiene also helps reduce the risk of gum disease, which is caused by bacteria found in dental plaque.
Why You Should Care
If left untreated gum disease will cause loss of teeth, which greatly diminishes effectiveness of chewing. People with missing teeth have a strong tendency to reduce their intake of high fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Diets deficient in fiber lead to chronic constipation and, eventually, to diverticular disease, which is a painful and potentially debilitating condition.
Chronic maternal gum disease in pregnant women is strongly linked to premature births.
A number of studies have identified periodontitis as a statistically significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease.
A relationship between gum disease and osteoporosis in women is being currently investigated.
